LEQUIA is a partner of two new European projects that aim to transform carbon dioxide (CO₂) into biofuels for aviation transport by means of microalgae (ALGAESOL project; Horizon Europe – HORIZON-CL5-2023-D3-02-08) and other types of biogenetic waste (Fuels-C project; Horizon Europe –HORIZON-CL5-2023-D3-02-07).

Both projects, financed by the Horizon Europe European program of the European Commission, use a technology developed at the UdG based on electrically active microorganisms, which are found naturally – even in the human body – and which are capable of catalyzing chemical reactions of great interest. These projects seek to cover the need to find sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, thus contributing to the climate neutrality of the European Union.

ALGAESOL. The ALGAESOL project lasts 36 months and is coordinated by the Norwegian Research Center (NORCE). ALGAESOL aims to develop and evaluate various solutions for the sustainable conversion of sunlight, CO₂ and organic waste into biofuels, such as methanol and bio-oils. The project seeks to create and consolidate new value chains for aviation and maritime fuels based on microalgae and direct solar renewable fuel technologies.

The project aims to reduce between 20 and 25% the production costs and the environmental impact of biofuels, while following a bio-circular economy approach and contributing to the priorities of the European Green Deal.

FUELS-C. On the other hand, the Fuels-C project, coordinated by the Leitat Technology Center (Terrassa) and with a duration of 42 months, focuses on increasing the production of advanced biofuels for maritime and land transport, using organic waste and CO₂.

Various innovative technologies will be implemented to convert these wastes into fuels such as methane and ethanol, with the aim of evaluating their economic and environmental viability, as well as the creation of new business opportunities and the consolidation of the leadership of the EU in terms of science and technology within the biofuels market.